God Be in My Head

Religion is one thing that nearly all of the world’s cultures have in common. But why is this? Some believe the prevalence of religion proves that a God does exist, but scientists are asking whether there is another possible explanation – that religious belief is actually hard-wired into our brains.

What this means is that perhaps something about the human brain makes us susceptible to belief in a God or gives us a sense of supernatural phenomena. Maybe religious belief benefited our ancestors in some way – giving them a shared sense of purpose, for example. Or perhaps our hankering for the meaning of life is just an evolutionary accident. Either way, can this theory really explain such a complex cultural phenomenon as religion?

One idea is that humans are predisposed towards religion because of an ability we have called ‘agent detection’. An example of agent detection is when you assume that a movement you see out of the corner of your eye is a dangerous presence, such as a predator. This is a good adaptation; it’s better to be safe than sorry. But this adaptation could also mean we’re primed to believe in the supernatural, to see other beings where there may be none.

So are we religious by design or by accident? Whether you’re a believer or an atheist, join us to find out more about gods, spirits and the brain. Our speakers will discuss the science and their beliefs with you.

Event organised by:
The European Dana Alliance for the Brain

Speakers

Alasdair Coles, Cambridge University
Bruce Hood, Bristol University
Charles Pickstone, Anglican priest, London
Ray Tallis, Manchester University
Tom McLeish, Leeds University

Chairman: Colin Blakemore, Oxford University